The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-18

WOuiu never nave associated her lOr u
moment in any ordinary mind with his
death. But that strange story, which she
told and adhered to, was highly calculated
first to create surprise, and then To move
suspicion. And even the declaration OF
Lady O'Reilly, made the day before and
carried all over the station, may have UNI
consciously opened peoples minds to
the idea OF Mrs. Humby's guilt.
But that story OF hers-l felt il was the
stumbling-b block. How were we to get rid
of it? 1t is very hard TO get rid of an
itcrated statement in such q case and OF
such a character; in fact, we know il is
impossible to get rid of it; vet the idea
held ne strongly that Mr. numby was
under some mental delusion, some hallu-
cination, due to fright, or excitement, in
regard TO what took place that she might
have thrown, unconsciously, the lurid
colors OF u dream Of terror over the first
moments OF her awakening, and con-
founded or identified the two; and | be-
lieved that il we could establish this as
sumption as fact, something Of substantial
importance would be gained.
led her, without difficulty, to talk free
ly OF the events of that night. | took
care TO lead her up 10 that point only-at
about 9 o'clock-whcn she heard her hus-
band close the door of his room. II was
500 after this that she went to sleep.
Now, this was the point ut which my
anxiety took its stand.
1t was the first day she had been as far
us the veranda since her illness; she said
she had sat there for several hours. She
told me, in answer to my questions, the
incident II the cooks child. She admit
ted, with reluctance, that she was herself
in fear Of her husbands violence that
evening because the thing would
have been new 10 her, but because she
would have been less fitted 20 bear it, ON
account of her weak health. The man
was dcad-had died a death horrible
enough to appal wen IN enemy-but the
mere thought Of this fear made my blood
boil against his memory.
sis it not possible, Mrs. Humby, that
some portion OF your impressions after
awuking may have been derived from or
colored by u vision you had in your sleep?
IL II too late now 10 try and recollect
whether you had been dreaming? Nothing
is more likely, under the circumstances
your mind was full OF certain excitements
and feIrs-and everybody knows that the
brain goes on after the body has sunk into
sleep, just as the sea still rolls after the
storm has ceased blowing. Pray, think,
1t would alter everything 80 much, II my
impression turned out correct"
noticed her clasp her hands in her lap,
and her face assumed Il grave and even
earnest expression. She was silent for the
space Of nearly two minutes. and from the
direction of her eyes | knew she was look
ing across the intervening grounds at the
fire blackened remains OF her late home.
"Mr. Everest" she answered at last,
speaking low, without removing her eyes
from that spot, my s"nscs were too alert
that night TO deceive me. Look! ~ she
added, unticing n small scarf from her
neck.
| had heard OF this before, and the eyi.
dcnce was pcrpleNing to me painfully 50.
The brutal marks were. still clearly dis
ccrnible on her delicate throat, even
through the pink tingc which rose TO veil
them ~ she displayed her neck.
mo, nolp shc went on, in the same low
voice 81 was not dreaming. II was all
exactly as | have described II, with moth
ing to add and nothing 10 take away,
What do not remember clearly IL the
manner Of my escape from the bungalow
and my reaching here"
That is easily co%njccturcd?' | replied
"Of course, now, ! entirely believe whaI
YOU state was fact, and not fancy. Til,
mystery which surrounds II must IN
cleared in some way or another. VIII,
should your husband be- dressed, for in
stancci Can YOU think oiauy~ explanation.
Mp. Humby2"
"Nonc, Mr.. Everest. II IL ms much
mystery to me as to YOU. As well as-m
his returning to his chamber again"
'lt IL almost incomprehcnsiblc, sccini
that the house was then actually on fire. :
II was only comprehensive on III,
theory that the man had committed sui
eide. That no one In Jullabad would be
stow u moments consideration on such
theory in connection with Col. lIumby Il
In itself n fact that may be noted.
DO you fahcy, Mrs. lIumby, that ans
ol the natives might have fired the bunga
ow-intentionally or ACCIDENTALLY
81 10 not think 81. Not IA Of then
would do harm 10 me"
Your husband had ill-uscd the cook,
child2' ! suggested.
yes; but the man would not have don,
IL. lie knew ! WIS there, and that | wa
weak. lie would not have riskcd injurin.
me, " she said, with a quiet faith that wa
|, convincing.
The fire broke out soon before II O'Clock
and there were no natives on the premises
|, then except the khidmatgnr already men
toned and an ayah. No suspicion rested
, or could rest, on either; and II the fire wa
I the result OF an accident, II WIS impossible
Ia assign a cause after the most scarclin,
! inquiry.
The tcars were In her eyes when shI
gave me her hand AT the conclusion Of thi
interview. promised 10 send the lawyc
I to her next day; aud with a feeling Of dis
appointment aud dependency, / took m,
I way again to Lady O'Rcilly.
I ! related all that had passed and m,
f%ruitlcss efforts 20 move the foundations O
Mr.. humby's unfortunate statement
LADY O'Rcilly listened 10 me aitcntiycly
and somewhat startled and shocked me b.
csictly asking, with her blue eyes ob-ery
T. antly upon ms: lei ma truly, Mr.. Ever
I est, have you entirS faith In Mp. Hum
, by's innoconco2'
"She Is ~ innocent as my mother"
| answered.
81 will think over Il al before tomoi
row, she said, after q pause. "Mr. Nj
plcson must see her, aud his opinion wi
be- uf morc value than ours"
Before leaving. Lady O'Rcilly invite
me b call at 4 o'clock the next day. wi
4 pass over the intervening hours, whic
% were anxious ones 10 me. ] felt more tina
{ ever bound up IN this Young widows fat,
r and II was torment to Inc 10 be 10 powcI
? less rs ! WIS.
2 Lady O'Rcilly's nyah conducted M
into her ladyship's private sitting ROOT
4 when ! arrived next afternoon at I o'clOcl
Mr.. Maplcson WIS already there, havin
. come direct from his interview with MIR
Humby.